An unworthy Deacon, named for the brother of God: James, striving to "work out his salvation with fear and trembling" within the Tradition (paradosis) of the Eastern Orthodox Faith. It is a strange and marvelous journey, and I am accompanied by the fourfold fruit of my fecundity. My wife, the Matushka or Diaconissa Sophia, is my beloved partner in the pursuit of Theosis, and she ranks me in every way.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Personally, I think the ABC's are an exceptionally reasonable program. But much of the scientific community has little to no faith in the ability of people to change their behavior...at least at some level. They usually draw some arbitrary line and say: "no one can be expected to abstain from this. And that is that.

Yet the article is correct, we have seen habits change and we have seen such changes have a positive effect on HIV transmission rates. And, really, if you think about it: proper usage of a condom requires a change of behavior too often at a most inopportune time and represents a 10-20% chance of getting HIV.

I recall Fr. Peter explaining to me about how he gave a talk to teens once and implored them to practice abstinence, pleading with them: "This is your life! Many of you have watched both your parents die...all of you know people who have died. Do not gamble with your life."

He's right, these kids have seen what is at stake. They also know that funds to pay for their retro-virals could dry up any day and then what if they get HIV? We always hear "safe-sex" first here in America...never "deadly sex." Why don't we tell the truth...condom usage isn't "safe-sex" it is "safer-than nothing sex" or how about "10-20% chance of HIV and or pregnancy sex." Sex is never REALLY safe.

What is so religious in this logic of abstaining and being faithful that the scientific community decries it so with "boos" like blathering drunks at a Pro Wrestling match? I do not believe it is simply that they have evidence to show that it doesn't work...because that simply isn't true. It's like saying no obese person can lose weight and keep it off with a diet. No, there is more at play here than data...there is politics and morality and world-views clashing here.